History-Making ‘U2 3D’ Feature-Length Film Redefines Concert Experience

HollywoodChicago.com — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 14:33:21 -0700

CHICAGO – Shot with more digital 3D cameras than any other film project, the feature-length “U2 3D” film production revolutionizes the concert experience on the big screen.

Directors Catherine Owens and Mark Pellington bring together incredible cinematography and surround sound to create this intimate musical experience in a 360-degree landscape. Even more, “U2 3D” etches itself into history as the first-ever, live-action, three-dimensional concert film.

“U2 3D”.
Photo credit: 3ality Digital

The U2 “Vertigo” tour was filmed throughout seven shows in Argentina in one of the largest stadiums in South America. The most amazing feature of this film is the contagious energy it releases.

The 3D effects layer themselves on top of one another to make you feel as if you are a part of the audience and waving your hands along with everyone else.

Close-up shots of Bono and the rest of the band create a personal experience with U2 and puts you right on stage with them. Thousands of arms raise up along side you – gyrating in all directions – so you can truly escape the fact that you’re sporting dorky glasses in a dark theater.

“U2 3D”.
Photo credit: 3ality Digital

The amazing light shows, pulsating audience and surround sound swallow your senses in a completely innovative experience.

Nice touches of animation overlap the expected political sequences and the concert experiences are surprisingly left uninterrupted. They’re never broken up with backstage interviews or irrelevant footage of Africa.

If you don’t feel like paying outrageous Ticketmaster fees for a concert or would simply rather avoid hysterically sweaty crowds, watching this film will transport you directly into the arms of the beast and keep you entertained for a solid 84 minutes.

Even if U2 isn’t your favorite band (as is the case with yours truly), this groundbreaking digital 3D film will stimulate your senses and have you reaching for your lighter (or cell phone) to express your enthusiasm. One can only hope that all of our favorite musicians will follow U2’s revolution in toe.

“U2 3D” will open in Chicago on Jan. 23 at the Navy Pier IMAX theater.

Click here for our full “U2 3D” image gallery!

By ALLISON PITACCIO
Staff Writer
HollywoodChicago.com
allee@hollywoodchicago.com